Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

4 Signs You May Need Water Heater Repair Or Replacement

25 July 2019

Herbert Chambers

No homeowner wants to deal with the hassle (and cost) of appliance repair or replacement. Unfortunately, when water heaters run into problems, the need for warm water in your home makes it difficult to put off repairs. The good news is that you can often detect early signs of water heater problems by being on the lookout for some red flags. This, in addition to scheduling annual plumbing inspections and tune-ups, can help you avoid the need for premature replacement or major repair on your gas or electric water heater.

Strange Noises

A well-functioning water heater should be more or less silent during operation. The heating elements (whether it be a gas burner or electric heating component) should barely make any noise. If you hear any strange noises coming from your water heater, such as frequent bangs or thuds, it may be time to call a plumber. These noises could indicate that your water heater is being overworked and needs repair.

Old Age

Most traditional water heaters can be expected to last around 10–15 years before needing to be replaced. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, you should begin planning on having it replaced in the near future. If you're unsure how old your water heater is, check for any service records that may have been left on the tank itself. If all else fails, you should be able to at least determine the water heater's year of manufacture by looking at the last four digits of the serial number (for example, in most cases, "0510" would indicate that the water heater was manufactured in May of 2010).

Leaking Water

A leak from a water heater is never good; unfortunately, sediment building up in the tank can eventually lead to rust and corrosion that inevitably causes leaks. When a water heater tank begins leaking, the only course of action is to replace it completely. Other sources of leaks, such as around a valve, may be easier to repair.

Discolored Water

If you notice a reddish-brown tint to your water, this is a sign that you have rust getting into your water supply. This most often happens as a result of sediment buildup in your water heater tank. Sometimes, a good flushing of the tank is enough to resolve the problem. In other cases, the rust may be coming from the pipes themselves and may require more extensive repair.

If you notice any of these issues with your water heater, it's time to call a water heater repair service.

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